Job data points to strongest market since 2009

The UK jobs market is at its most buoyant since December 2009, according to recruitment data published today.

The latest Job Index figures from recruiter Reed suggest that the final quarter of 2012 is set to be the strongest since the organisation began to compile the index in December 2009, with much of the growth driven by recruitment activity in London.

Reed, which compiles the data based on the number of advertised jobs and jobseeker activity across its job site, said this current quarter is set to witness the most significant growth for three years. Reed said this reflects a growing optimism across the job market. This latest increase also means that every quarter of 2012 saw growth in recruitment activity.

According to Reed, November saw a 1% rise on October and more than a 5% increase on November 2011. Further, more than half (58%) of employment sectors experienced month-on-month jobs growth, with energy, education and banking performing strongly (up 20%, 19% and 16% respectively).

Meanwhile, the momentum generated by the Olympics appears to have been maintained, with London leading the way in driving jobs growth, having recorded a 4% month-on-month rise. The capital’s jobs market is now 5% stronger than it was last year and sits nine points ahead of the national average.

Martin Warnes, managing director at reed.co.uk, said: “We have pointed towards steady growth in new roles for many months now and this latest set of figures further underlines how much the jobs market continues to recover. The picture in the capital is especially encouraging and points towards London continuing to act as the engine room of growth in the wider jobs market for the coming year.

“We know the situation can be different around the country, however, and we’re still seeing that it’s tough for many groups of jobseekers, such as graduates or part-time workers who would prefer a full-time role. But with rising vacancies and over three million new applications for roles in October, the activity we’re seeing in the job market shows an encouraging return to confidence.”